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BLODARV have inked a deal with the Dutch record label SOULSELLER RECORDS for the release and world-wide distribution of the band's upcoming full-length album "The Illuminating Darkness" which will be available in CD, Digital and 12" Vinyl formats in 2019.

Aside from having recently signed bands such as USURPER, DEATHCULT, PATRIA and GRAVDAL to their roster, SOULSELLER RECORDS have also been instrumental in the official re-issues of various Black Metal classics classics from bands such as GORGOROTH, OPHTHALAMIA, VED BUENS ENDE, OLD FUNERAL, DEN SAAKALDTE, THORNIUM and ANCIENT, to name but a few.

Commenting on the decision to sign with SOULSELLER RECORDS, BLODARV had this to say:

"We have to say that we are really looking forward to working with Soulseller - a cooperation that will greatly benefit both the band and the fans. Soulseller have proven themselves to be a label of some note with a great many quality releases over the years, and we are more than satisfied to be working with them on the upcoming album.

One of the things that was very important to us was that this album should also be released on Vinyl. Not only because many of our fans prefer vinyl over other formats, but also because as soon as we had written the first track, we all felt that vinyl was where it belonged, an, as a consequence, the whole album was created with that particular medium in mind.

Another aspect to signing with Soulseller was the availability issue. Up until now, once we had sold out of our releases at the official BLODARV store in Denmark it has been extremely difficult, not to mention very expensive, for our European fans and followers to get their hands on them. Ordering from Mexico, where our previous label and their distro were situated, meant that fans in Europe were hit with taxes, customs charges and prohibitive postal costs, whilst we ourselves could only stock a very small number, as all our releases had been limited to 1,000 copies. With Soulseller this will all change.

There are, of course, a few more reasons why we are looking forward to this co operation, not least of which are trust, shared visions and goals, dedication, artistic freedom, and the excellent communication we have with Soulseller."

More info about "The Illuminating Darkness" will be available soon, but in the meantime BLODARV recently gave fans an insight into what they could expect from the album by premiering the track "A dark trail of Death" which is available to stream or download at the following:

Until now, BLODARV have been quite secretive when it comes to revealing details about their forthcoming full length album. In fact, the only thing that the band has so far revealed is that the title of the album would be "The Illuminating Darkness".
The silence, however, is now about to be broken, as the band is premiering a track from "The Illuminating Darkness" in order to give fans a first taste of the dark and haunting journey that the album has in store for them.
The track, "A Dark Trail of Death", can be streamed or downloaded with lyrics via the following:
Bandcamp : www.blodarv.bandcamp.com/track/a-dark-trail-of-death
YouTube : www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMU5XMwyc28
Soundcloud : www.soundcloud.com/blodarv/a-dark-trail-of-death/s-FjszF
Commenting on the choice of "A dark trail of death", Blodarv said:
"we are aware that it is usual for band premiering a track from a forthcoming album, to choose either the title track, or a track that "musically represents the entire album". But BLODARV have never been your typical band, nor have we been known to do things the usual way, and this time it's no different. In fact, "A Dark Trail of Death" stands out from the rest of "The Illuminating Darkness" in the sense that it’s the slowest song on the entire album. "Whilst the rest of the tracks on "The Illuminating Darkness" are much more up-tempo, even compared to previous releases, we chose "A Dark Trail of Death"as a first taste of the upcoming album anyway because, even though it stands out tempo wise, it is still perfect to represent the album because it is soaked through with the essence and atmosphere of "The Illuminating Darkness".
"A dark trail of death" was recorded over two different periods. Drums and first guitar were recorded in 2016 at Anwill-Recordings, whereas vocals and the rest of the instruments were recorded in 2018 at HammerArt & Studio's on the island of Bornholm. Photo-art for " A dark trail of death" is by Blodarv and HammerArt & Studio's.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band Contact : stafahugin@hotmail.com
Band camp: www.blodarv.bandcamp.com
Website : www.blodarv.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blodarvofficial
Youtube: www.youtube.com/huginofblodarv
Twitter: www.twitter.com/blodarv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blodarv/
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/blodarv
Webshop: www.blodarvshop.bigcartel.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/blodarv
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/blodarv
Management: www.patriciathomasmanagement.com
H & S Artwork: www.facebook.com/hammerartstudios

After countless requests we have finally decided to open a BLODARV bandcamp page
for streaming and download of all our albums in HQ wave format (Original audio CD quality).
This is the ONLY official BLODARV Bandcamp page, and the only page where payment for downloads
goes directly to the band. Go visit at www.blodarv.bandcamp.com

After more than a year of silence on the subject, we are now ready to reveal our new drummer and full time member Galheim! ( DENIAL OF GOD, AD NOCTUM, EXMORTEM, LIVJATAN).
Not only do we consider Galheim to be the best Danish drummer that ever walked this earth, but also, and even more important, we consider him the only real match for BLODARV both from a musical perspective, but also when it comes to the ideology, visions, and essence of the band. So much so, in fact, that we actually neither looked anywhere else, nor accepted any applications from anyone to take over the drummers vacancy. Everyone in the band was in agreement that we didn’t just want a great drummer, we also wanted one who was hewn from the same rock as BLODARV, and Galheim was that person.
GALHEIM has his roots firmly planted in the Danish Black Metal scene of the 90’s and is someone we can connect and sync with, both musically and on a personal level, because he shares and understands the passion and dedication that goes into a lifework such as BLODARV. Not only do we want to keep the flame burning, we want to add fuel to the fire, elevate the band, and sharpen the knife that is BLODARV.
We are now dedicating as much time as possible to rehearsing a formidable new stage show, and ensuring that BLODARV’s raven banner will soon once again flutter proudly on stage as we return stronger, darker, and more powerful than ever before! ALL HAIL GALHEIM!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Band Contact : stafahugin@hotmail.com
Website : www.blodarv.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blodarvofficial
Youtube: www.youtube.com/huginofblodarv
Twitter: www.twitter.com/blodarv
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/blodarv
Webshop: www.blodarvshop.bigcartel.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/blodarv
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/blodarv
Management: www.patriciathomasmanagement.com
Label: www.selfmutilationservices.com
H & S Artwork: www.facebook.com/hammerartstudios

20 years ago, on Feb 1. 1998 we launched the original “BURN YOUR LOCAL CHURCH” campaign through our prod/distro here in Denmark, which included shirts, posters, stickers, flyers etc. To mark this occasion and the 20 years that has passed, we today launch a limited edition of fluid/gasoline lighters, only available from the official BLODARV store

How are you? And what's new and current at Blodarv?
Well, beside from a couple of re-releases of some of our old albums, all our focus this year has been put into the upcoming full length album “The Illuminating Darkness” which will unleash in 2018.We have taken a one-year break from all live activities in 2017, both because of the album but also because we are currently in the process of changing to a new drummer, and this break from live shows has made it possible for us to put all our time, soul and effort into the upcoming full length album instead.
So can you reveal anything here about this upcoming album?
Well basically I’ve been brewing on these tracks ever since we finished the recordings of the Flamekeeper 7” vinyl that was released by Self Mutilation Services 2 years ago, but the first studio recordings for this full length began in July 2016 where we spend a week in the Anvil studio in Copenhagen recording drums & guitar tracks, and after getting these recordings down we travelled back to the island of Bornholm were the rest of the album is now being finished at HammerArt & Studio’s . As for deeper details about the theme and concept of the album we are keeping things close at this stage and can’t reveal too much. We have however released a short trailer that might give you some idea about it. You can find this trailer on our website, youtube etc. just search for “The Illuminating Darkness Trailer 1”. Further details will be revealed on our official websites in the nearest future.
Speaking of “Flamekeeper” ep, the band’s latest work, what is the main lyrical concept behind it?
It’s a salutation to the power of the ancient flame, the fire that feeds us and the fire that eats us. It’s about putting demons into art, protecting the old ways, and sent the listener into the dark demon filled universe of BLODARV. It’s a hail to lust and blasphemy, to powerful energies, to the moon and the beast of the night, and to all the powers we got inside. It’s a hail to the nights where the flame burns bright, where souls and demons and worlds unite, it’s a hail to the power with a thousand names, a hail to the power of the ancient flame..A celebration of the thousands of nights spend in the illuminating darkness
Blodarv have been a dominating force in both the Danish metal scene and the international metal scene. What do you feel has been the key to the band’s long-lasting career?
The key is that there’s still something that burns in on our hearts, a flame that grows higher for each passing year, and constantly feeds the urge to speak the words that needs to be spoken, and to unleash demons that needs to be unleashed. Also we have never kneeled to the main stream circus but instead remained ourselves and been true to our art, keeping completely artistic freedom as a band. Honesty, Dedication, and the will to sacrifice everything else for the art of Blodarv, is some of the keywords. That being said, I don’t see it as a “career” though. Careers end’s, and Blodarv is constant. It’s my life work, and it will go on until the day I die. Last but not at least we also owe a lot of it to our incredible loyal fans and followers, of which of many of them has supported the band since the early days and still continue to do so.
What song do you feel defines Blodarv as a whole?
I can’t choose just one song that completely defines Blodarv as a whole. Every song serves a purpose and has a special meaning and reason for being born and unleashed, and at the same time every song is a part of a bigger puzzle -or a painting in progress if you like- that grows more and more complete for each brush added to it, and we are painting a giant picture here, so when I’m gone from this earth, you can take all the albums, and everything crafted by Blodarv, from the beginning till the end, and that will define Blodarv as a whole. Nothing less
When it comes to writing new material, where does the band draw inspiration from? And how does the songwriting process happen in Blodarv?
I’m constantly writing so usually I have the lyrics -or at least the base of it- ready before the actual track is made, and often the songs are crafted around the lyrics. That being said it’s still a give and take relationship and there are many finer adjustments made to both lyrics and riffs along the way in the process of creating the final result. There are also times when it’s the other way around, were all the riffs are made first and then the lyric comes later. The entire song writing process is really a constant one and therefore I usually refer to as “A creative circle” like when one sound or accord, inspire to another accord, that then inspires to a riff that again inspires to a new riff and so on. But inspiration is many things and comes from everything that surrounds us and everything that’s inside us. Life, death, philosophies, nature, visions, powers, energies, forces, souls, demons, muses, destinies, smells, sounds, emotions, dreams.. The list is endless.
If you could replace the soundtrack to any film/movie with your own music, which one would it be and why?
That’s an interesting question but I actually have no idea. I think I would rather prefer to make a soundtrack for a movie that was in progress rather than changing an already existing one.
How would you describe your music to new listeners?
It’s a manifestation of Blodarvs universe where the demons never sleep, where there are thousands of caves to explore, mountains to climb, rivers to sail, and endless fields of dark power and energies. Its the sound of a million stories and countless worlds within worlds.. It’s hard to describe in words, and should rather be heard than explained I think. The music and lyrics speaks for itself, but both has many layers, and how the listener experience this journey and what they take back with them will depend on the individual.
As Blodarv has been around for 23 years, you obviously have a wealth of experience and wisdom. Is there any that you’d like to pass on to the new bands emerging on the scene?
I could tell you a lot about how you as an emerging band will have to go through years of shitty venues , and labels, deal with idiots, fight, fight and fight and get tons of frustrations and stress and all those other experiences every dedicated band goes through in the beginning, but I’ve always said that it’s better to learn from your own experiences so instead, and for the sake of the art, I’d rather say this: Be willing to go through fire and pain and fight with blood sweat and tears for your art, to sacrifice everything else and put all of yourself into your music, dedicate yourself completely and be honest and true to yourself and your art in all ways. Never do anything half hearted and go into this for the right reasons, and remember nothing comes on its own so work fucking intense, give it your all, and never compromise on your art, not for labels, not for fans, not for anyone. The world doesn’t need another mainstream designed product, it needs dedicated original bands that has something strong and important to bring to the table.
Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers here at the end of the interview?
Keep an eye out for the upcoming full length album “The Illuminating Darkness” and if you want more details about this release or our other activities go to the official Blodarv Website at www.blodarv.net or visit the official FB-page, youtube etc.
Additional info:
“The Illuminating Darkness” trailer 1 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1sQTkiv8ig
Website: www.blodarv.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blodarvofficial
Youtube: www.youtube.com/huginofblodarv
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/blodarv
Webshop: http://blodarvshop.bigcartel.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/blodarv
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/blodarv
Myspace: www.myspace.com/blodarv
Management: www.patriciathomasmanagement.com
Record label: www.selfmutilationservices.com
For Interviews & booking, contact
BLODARV: stafahugin@hotmail.com

"Blackwood Productions are honoured to announce the imminent cassette release of "Gâst" by Danish Black Metal horde BLODARV. Blodarv have carved a name for themselves in the Black Metal underground since the inception in 1994 and "Gâst" their most recent full length -originally released on CD by Self Mutilation Services in 2012- is a stunning slap of raw and passionate Black Metal, perfectly balancing demonic agression and haunting melodies." -BWP

“Blackwood Productions are honoured to announce the imminent cassette release of 'Gâst' by Danish Black Metal horde, BLODARV. Blodarv have carved a name for themselves in the black metal underground, since the inception in 1994 and 'Gâst' their most recent full length (originally released on CD by Self Mutilation Services in 2012) is a stunning slab of raw and passionate black metal, perfectly balancing demonic aggression and haunting melodies. The cassette will be unleashed in September 2017, with pre-order details available in the coming weeks!” – DWP www.darkwoodsproductions.co.ukwww.blodarv.net

Both being busy with finishing up on the new upcoming full length album whilst also searching for a new drummer for the band, BLODARV will not be playing any live shows in 2017 but instead return to the stage with full power in 2018! HAILS TO ALL WHO WALKS WITH US THROUGH THE FIRE!

Re-release of the original “Mysteriis” demo from 1999/2000 + 3 bonus tracks from the first demo “Murder In The Name Of Satan”.
Album will be released in the first half of 2017 on O.C.D. limited to 1000 CDs.
(will also be available from the official BLODARV STORE at www.blodarvshop.bigcartel.com )
Tracklist:
1. Forseglet Forevig
2. Dæmonstormens Tid
3. Power Of A Soul
4. Memories From A Long Forgotten Past
5. Sacrifices To The Devil (version 2)
6. Kaldet Fra Fjeldet
7. Den Røde Sten
8. Heksen
9. Where The Beast Dwell
10. Disgusting Beauty
11. Sacrifices To The Devil (version 1)
12. Under Satans Vinger

The last night of the year is creeping in on us, and a massive hail shall be given to all who has walked with us through the fire of 2016!
All who has shown their support, bought the albums, showed up at the concerts, shared, posted about, and expanded the universe of BLODARV.
To all who has followed us through the endless paths of illuminating darkness, in this and the many years that has passed! HAIL!!
..The journey continues in 2017 where we unleash our new full length album!

BLODARV INTERVIEW FOR ATMOSFEAR MAGAZINE
Answered by Hugin 2015Greetings! We’re very glad you’ve accepted giving us an interview. Introduceyourselftoourreaders, please.
As for introducing BLODARV to the readers in a few words it is simply not possible as the universe of BLODARV is too huge. In here where the demons never sleep, there are thousands of caves and mountains to climb, hundreds of rivers to sail, everlasting fields of power and energies, demon filled dungeons, countless worlds within worlds and a million stories waiting to be told.. As for myself, I am Hugin , Philosopher, hell-poet and founder of the band..

Blodarv have existed as a band for 20 years already, tell us a bit how everything started and what was a reason for you to create a music project? How did the formation of band’s line-up pass?

It began 21 years ago with my first band MISANTHROPIA which was a four-man band where I did the vocal and lyrics. In 1994 I moved to Sealand from the island of Bornholm (where I grew up), and started this band of what we at that time described as “Satanic metal”. We quickly found out though -as we got our hands on our first Black Metal albums- that we came very close to the sound of that style and the lyrical satanic themes, and very fast we stopped calling our metal for “satanic metal” and took the label “Black Metal” on us. The reason for creating my first band was basically that I wanted to create music and lyrics that I personally wanted to listen to. I wanted to create music that I felled there wasn’t enough of around. I’ve been listening to metal since I was 11 years old, and very fast I wanted it more extreme, darker, more satanic, evil, powerful, mind-twisting and enlightening.
I wanted something pure and true and even though there were plenty of so called satanic bands around already then, it was something about a feeling you got about the various bands. Many didn’t seem to mean half of the shit they were singing about and it gave me the urge to create something myself. In MISANTHROPIA our guitarist did the composing and made all the riffs though, so along the side of singing I also made my own riffs and more personal lyrics with the idea of one day using them in a solo project which later on would turn out to be given the name BLODARV. Between 1994 & 1998 I played in different Black Metal bands and started and ended various projects, still continuing putting lyrics and riffs aside for BLODARV, and In 1998/99 I began recording the first BLODARV demo “Murder in the name of Satan”. Then followed the 2nd demo “Mysteriis” and after that Isaz of FEIKN joined the band with female vocals, and soon after on bass also Huul of TÅGEFOLKET.
About 10 years ago Pestilens of SEPULCHRAL CRIES joined on guitar and Satinae Ma replaced Isaz on the female vocal. Ynleborgaz of ANGANTYR joined on drums, but was later on replaced by Fjorgynn of FJORSVARTNIR, and that has been the line up ever since.

Aren’t you going to celebrate 20-years-aniversary of your band in some special way? Do we have to wait for a special release or some live performances by Blodarv?

No, there are no plans of such kind, but we do have 2 shows left this month, one will be at OPEN GRAVE Metal festival in Jutland, and the other at BORNHELL festival on Bornholm. We always make our live ceremonies into a special and unique experience, but with that being said it’s never the same when playing at a festival as it is when headlining a BLODARV show because we can’t bring as much stuff on stage at a festival as we can at a BLODARV concert, as there are usually only like 15 minutes at a festival between the bands to set up everything on the stage, make line check and so on, but we always do all we can to make it special. From the bands point of view being on stage is like standing in a doorway between worlds were we become the physical intermediate link between both. We use candles, lanterns, &torches if possible and allowed by the venue. We use banners, symbols, alters, reversed crosses, bones, skulls and more. We smell of blood, sweat and plague, and try to stimulate all your senses at our shows. But it really must be experienced and not explained. The energy we have on stage can really not be explained in words.

What plans do you have for this year? May we wait for another full-length?

There won’t be any full-length out this year but we are releasing a 7” EP with new tracks. The EP is entitled “Flamekeeper” and are released in regular and diehard box edition in October on Self Mutilation Services. We also have a re-release of the old BLODARV/SILVA NIGRA split from 2002 coming out this year. As for the “flamekeeper” EP we are really looking forward to release this vinyl, and specially the box edition which will be a very unique collector’s item released in a wooden box with a piece of ritual candle, bone necklace, embroidered patch, Blodarv pick and other stuff. The vinyl will be a hail to lust and blasphemy, a hail to powerful energies, a hail to the moon and the beast of the night, a hail to the powers we got inside, a hail to the nights where the flame burns bright, where souls and demons and worlds unite, a hail to the power with a thousand names, a hail to the power of the ancient flames..It’s a celebration of the thousands of nights spent in the illuminating darkness.

5. Tell us about your sources of inspiration. What does give an impulse for birth of new music?

Philosophies, death, micro & macro cosmos, the forces of nature, the power of the universe and all the energies that cling to it. Dark visions, possessive muses, and powerful demons, haunted and haunting souls, tragic destinies, stories, smells, sounds, emotions and chilling dreams..My own mind. The island of Bornholm where i grew up and live today also has its Influence. This small and very isolated island and its strong energies, its myths and legends, its rich history, and beautiful, eerily evocative landscapes, is a source of inspiration and manifests in BLODARV’s sound, atmosphere and lyrics.

How much did your worldview at opinion about real black metal change? And can we expect nonstandard decisions and experiments of Blodarv in the future?

We have always done things our own way, when you ask if we will experiment in the future, and make nonstandard decisions I must reply that we don’t stick to a set of rules, but of course there’s a certain red line that runs through the way we work and the music we craft. We always just do what we feel is needed to create the mood and the atmosphere that we want to dominate a track and its lyric, and we always strive to create albums that 100 percent lives up to the ideas and plans we have for it, and will work on it until we are satisfied with the final result. But if you mean experimenting just for the sake of experimenting itself and just add effects, weird instruments that have no purpose, or step over and do extremely technical BM then no. We work as we have always done with our music, it’s a process that is hard to explain to outsiders, but you can be certain that BLODARV will remain BLODARV.
As for if my opinion about real Black Metal has changed? Not for REAL black Metal it hasn’t, I Basically still have the same view on Black Metal today as I had over 20 years ago. REAL Black metal bands are the ones that puts all of them self into the music and manage to create the pure and strong energy Black Metal can be when it comes from an honest being and not from a façade build upon what others proclaim to be “true”. The ones who don’t have to prove anything to anyone about how true they are, because they know themselves what they are and what they stand for, the ones who are true to their art and are willing to go through fire and pain and fight with blood sweat and tears for their art because that’s the most important thing in their existence and because they have something important to say.. Those are the bands I consider as REAL Black Metal bands. I don’t care for all the other empty fuckers who just copies stuff from other bands and has opinions and believes after from what they have heard others proclaim to be the true way.
Can you list the events (good and bad), which happened on the creative way of Blodarv? Are there such things in the past you’d like to change, to make them better?
No I wouldn’t change the past, because it is the past with both its good and bad experiences that brought BLODARV to where it is today. Today we are strong unit both music-wise and as a horde. One of the really important events has been finding the real line up that made it possible to bring BLODARV to the stage. All those many hours of rehearsing, planning, discussing, sharing ideas, reaching goals and setting new, sharing visions, sharing thoughts, travelling under shitty conditions and everything else we do together, naturally has had its affect in forming the band to the strong horde it has become today. -From our first real shows, the band also has evolved enormously when it comes to the art of performing live. We have been through a lot together already, good, great, bad and worse times, we’ve been through it all. And all this has of cause strengthened the band in every possible way.

There is an impression that every full-length of Blodarv tells a certain story to its listener. For example, “Linaria Amlech”, which is dedicated to the queen of witches, who killed herself… Was there a prototype of her image or it’s just a fiction?

There is nothing fictional about the story of Linaria, it’s a true story and she died on a cold January night in 2002. And yes it’s true that each album has a red line going through it. The tracks and lyrics links together in various ways, also between the albums. Each album is a book of its own but it has a connection to the previous albums, and each track is another chapter in the universe of BLODARV.

When you’re making up an album, do you have a clear idea how it must sound or does a final result comes in the process of working with songs?

I have a very clear idea from the beginning but that idea can evolve, I often refer to this as “the creative circle” where one sound, or riff can inspire to another riff, that again brings out a new “tone” in the riff you couldn’t hear before, that again inspires oneself to craft extra layers and so on. How can I explain it, it’s like when you are listening to a song you’ve been listening to many times and all of a sudden you hear a melody or an instrument that actually isn’t there but only exists because your mind creates it between the layers of sound, these subconscious sounds and melodies I often add on top of the original idea and create a stronger sound than attended in the first place, and therefore I would say I have a basic idea on what I want the outcome to be when I start working on the sound of a song or an album, but the creative circle often steps in and makes the final result even stronger than first intended.

You’ve always had your own view on chaos, which has become the sign of Blodarv. Your music is pretty raw and primitive, but it also has certain difficult elements, so there is an ideal balance. Is it what you tried to gain or did it just happen by itself?

I just create music the way I prefer it to be myself, it comes from my mind, heart and soul, but nothing happens on its own, and everything is well thought of to create the power, the energy and musical landscapes I want to craft. We create honest Black Metal from deep inside and without filters, and then the outcome becomes what it becomes.

Who makes the cover art for the Blodarv’s albums? What can you say about its design and meaning? Does it matter to you that the art of album must be linked with its content?

We have always been a D.I.Y band, and I do all the cover art and layouts myself. And yes I think it matters that the art of the album is linked with its content, at least it does for me personal and I always try to create a cover that is representative of the title, lyrics and the music on the album itself. I cant imagine it any other way, the shortest path from an idea in my mind to the final physical product goes through my own hands, and I always find it easier to craft things myself in appose to explaining others how I want it to be. I am an creative artist myself, so just like a painter that has never considered asking another painter to paint his/hers personal visions, I have never considered to get another artist to do our coverart or layouts, I have to much to express myself, and I like doing these things. Our covers will always be much more than “pictures and words in a nice layout” it’s a part of the entire experience of the album, and there are links and symbolic features crafted into our covers where you can find an extra layer to the album, even hidden stories if you seek deep enough.

Much time passed and Blodarv changed a great number of labels; in the beginning of your creative way you even released your first demos on your own, so what did finally make you stay on Self Mutilation Services label?

Mainly because they have been very dedicated, and have given us the total freedom we need for our art.

It’s unusual to hear clean female vocals in such a band as yours, if to take into account the raw sound of Blodarv’s music. How did an idea to invite Isaz, and then later Satinae Ma for being a permanent singer occur?

The lyrics of BLODARV is half of the music, and in the lyrics there’s now and then the presence of a female character (like in the songs to Linaria, and songs like “Heksen” and “forseglet forevig” etc) so to make the music authentic to the lyrics I felled I needed a female vocalist to do those parts where a female character appears. I knew Isaz and I loved her vocal in FEIKN so it was natural to ask her first. As you said, she was then later replaced by Satinae Ma who now does the female vocal parts and makes it possible to add an extra layer to the music and the complete experience of the lyrics. Satinae Ma constantly evolves on her vocal, always willing to experiment with it in various directions, and is fantastic at sinking in to the lyrics, really dig into them to catch the emotions and mood of the lyric, and still add it her own perspective. Without satinae ma we would be a 5-arm candle-holder with only 4 candles in it, and in many ways she completes the circle. Just as Every other member, she fills a certain space in which where there would be silence and emptiness if not.

It’s a known fact that you also have several black metal projects except of Blodarv. Are they active, and, if it's so, when are you going to release albums with them?

No, none of my elder projects is active anymore, it’s a choice I made many years ago where I decided to put all my focus, energies and power into BLODARV

Attributes of black metal have turned into the part of pop-culture long time ago, and maybe it’s a reason why some bands refused their using. But what does a traditional image of black metal musician (corpsepaint, upturned crosses, skulls, etc.) mean to you?

Personally I’ve basically used the same corpse paint the last 19 out of 21 years. It has become like a ritualistic thing, it’s always there when we stand face to face with the demons and the energies of the great beyond. This is the face that fits our souls and who we are, like a portrait of our mind and deepest most inner self. The items we have on stage like reversed crosses, skulls, alters and so on represents the universe of BLODARV, the ripped cloths and spikes we wear represents the journey we have gone through. The long and dark labyrinths with thorns and obstacles that shreds you on the outside, and strengthens you on the inside. It’s just a part of the whole picture that has always been a part of BLODARV and always will be.

What do you think about rising of black metal popularity? How do you think, are there any worthy representatives of this genre among new bands?

I must say that BLODARV take all my time, and has done for many years. It’s where I prefer to put my focus, so I haven’t used much time following all the “new” bands and I have no idea where I should start if I were to follow all the Black Metal bands of today and what is defined as “The Scene”. When this is said, sure there are bands I like, bands I am in contact with, and listen to these days, and now and then I discover a new great band, but as I said almost all my time and effort goes into the universe of BLODARV and has for many years. It gives me very little time for anything else, including discovering new bands & thinking about the rising of Black metal popularity. I’d rather use that time to feed the flames of BLODARV.But I’m aware that Black Metal has gone from being an underground movement to become a part of the so called accepted music industry.. These days every metal store sells Black Metal back in the early days there were 1 or 2 stores in each country distributing Black Metal and 3 or 4 albums that were added to the list each month at top, simply because there wasn’t more bands playing it.
As we all know, more and more started practicing this art form, and it got many followers as the media covered it intensely in Scandinavia. These days we all know how insanely many so called black metal bands there’s around compared to back then and Black Metal has changed in so many ways in all kinds of aspects since those days where BM WAS underground, and most people in the industry didn’t dare to touch or promote it. These days it seems its more and more about image, fast solos and very technical played riffs, but somewhere along the line the magic becomes harder to find, the chills that makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck has become fewer and fewer, even though there now are more bands than ever. And it’s a funny anecdote that in the beginning there were SO many metal heads that didn’t approve at all of Black Metal, it was mostly met with the opinion that is wasn’t technical enough, and people thought the vocals sounded terrible. The majority of people who listened to metal in the 90’s thought that Black Metal with its high-tuned guitars, high-pitched vocals, thin high distorted sound, and a less is more concept, was a completely fucked up art-form they couldn’t relay to at all. And in general there wasn’t many in the various metal genres, either when it came to the bands or fans that accepted the shadow of church burnings and the satanic message that followed black metal..The funny thing is that the very same metal heads that didn’t give a shit for Black Metal and its essence in the beginning, played it themselves 5 years after when it suddenly became really popular.

What are personal band members’ preferences in black metal, their own classic? Are there any bands, which are close to you by spirit and conceptions nowadays?

Some of the Black Metal classics to the various members in BLODARV are bands like VENOM, DARKHTHRONE, BATHORY, DISSECTION, HORNA, MAYHEM, BURZUM, MORBID, ISENGARD and many, many others. If there are any bands that are close to us by spirit and conceptions these days is a hard question to answer cause I’m not really sure actually.

How do you imagine Blodarv in 10-15 years from now?

At that time we will still be carrying the banner on, and remain keepers of the ancient flame. I don’t see an ending to this at any point of time.

Thank you for your time once again, and in the end say something to our readers, please.